The Swiss government has imposed an immediate freeze on assets held in Switzerland by Nicolas Maduro and 37 individuals connected to the Venezuelan president. This action aims to prevent the potential transfer of illegally acquired assets and will remain in effect for four years. The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the freeze, emphasizing the possibility of future legal proceedings related to the Maduro administration’s potential loss of power. This marks the first time Switzerland has directly sanctioned Maduro and his associates, supplementing existing measures against Venezuela from 2018.
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Following the weekend’s surprise attack on Venezuela, which led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, several Democratic lawmakers are calling for President Trump’s impeachment. These lawmakers are citing concerns over Trump’s actions, including the alleged pursuit of regime change and the destabilization of the region. The calls for impeachment come amidst a chaotic political climate where the U.S.’s role in the country remains uncertain, as evidenced by conflicting statements from within the administration. Several other congress members have indicated they are not ruling out impeachment either.
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Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro entered a New York federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The charges include conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses, alleging that Maduro worked with drug cartels. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Maduro’s legal team is expected to challenge the legality of his arrest, arguing immunity. This dramatic U.S. intervention, which the U.S. defends as a law enforcement action, has triggered global condemnation, an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting, and diverse responses from the Venezuelan government and international actors, with implications for the country’s oil reserves and political future.
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Following a US military operation to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba has declared two days of mourning for 32 Cuban citizens killed during the operation. The state-run Prensa Latina agency reported these “fighters” died in direct combat while assisting Venezuela’s military at their request, while Maduro and his wife were flown to New York to face drug-related charges. US President Donald Trump stated a significant number of Cubans were killed, while the UN Security Council is set to discuss the controversial intervention, which has drawn condemnation from Russia and China, who have called for Maduro’s safety and accused the US of violating international law.
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Following the extraction of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, Venezuela’s military recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the acting leader, appointed by the Supreme Court for 90 days. Rodriguez, who had served as Maduro’s vice president, condemned the U.S. actions as a kidnapping but left the door open for dialogue, while the Trump administration issued a warning regarding her cooperation. Maduro, along with his wife, arrived in New York to face federal charges, while the Venezuelan Defense Minister reported casualties from the U.S. operation and urged citizens to resume normal activities.
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On Sunday, January 4, 2026, China urged the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, following the US’s seizure of them. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the US action, labeling it a violation of international law. China called for the US to halt its actions and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation. This condemnation echoed sentiments from Russia and Iran, while allies like France and the EU expressed concern, albeit with nuanced positions on Maduro’s legitimacy.
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Following the US abduction of Nicolás Maduro, interim President Delcy Rodríguez defiantly declared Venezuela would never be a colony and demanded Maduro’s release, directly contradicting the Trump administration’s plans. Rodríguez’s remarks, delivered alongside key Venezuelan officials, signaled unified resistance against the US’s attempt to control the country’s government and oil reserves. Trump, who claimed to be appointing individuals to lead Venezuela, threatened further attacks and warned Venezuelan officials of similar consequences as Maduro, who is detained in Brooklyn. These actions have been met with condemnation from some US politicians, who see it as the US starting an illegal war.
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The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the recent developments in Venezuela, specifically the detention of Nicolás Maduro. Ukraine reaffirmed its stance that Maduro’s regime violated democratic principles and human rights, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha underscored Ukraine’s support for the Venezuelan people’s right to freedom and democratic values. Ukraine’s position stems from its consistent defense of nations’ rights to live free from oppression and dictatorship, having refused to recognize Maduro’s legitimacy after contested elections and crackdowns.
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In a press conference, former President Donald Trump stated he did not view Maria Corina Machado as a viable replacement for Nicolás Maduro following the U.S. military’s intervention in Venezuela. Trump cited a lack of domestic support for Machado, despite her having won a 2023 primary and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. While Machado has called for a democratic transition and asserted the legitimacy of Edmundo González Urrutia’s claim to power, Trump indicated he was working with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Maduro’s replacement. Mexico has condemned the US military action, while Argentina has expressed support.
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President Donald Trump’s actions, including the reported arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, have escalated his disregard for Congressional authority and expanded executive power. This move could result in a passive response or outright support from the Republican-led Capitol, further consolidating Trump’s power. Democrats are aiming to counteract this by initiating a war powers vote in the Senate to challenge Trump’s actions. The implications of this power grab could have substantial global consequences.
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John Q. Hosedrinker